Cosmetic compact system with a magnifying mirror

ABSTRACT

A multi-functional, multi-layer compact for cosmetics, including a base for holding cosmetic material and a cover hingedly connected to the base in clam-shell manner with an inwardly facing mirror mounted in a portion of the cover so as to provide a convex magnifying lens. The compact mirror case provides a convex mirror function. In the multifunctional compact mirror of the invention, the plane mirror is set in a mirror frame within an upper housing and facing opposite the cosmetic product. The upper housing or cover is coupled to the lower portion or base at a hinged joint and has a fastener to secure the upper and lower housing portions in a closed position. Preferably, the multi-functional compact of the invention is also multi-layered having one or more side drawers positioned therein for housing additional cosmetic products. In addition, each product well or area may comprise multiple rectangular wells or areas to increase the variety of cosmetics available for use in a single compact.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application relates to and claims priority from U.S. Prov. Ser. No.61/877,370 filed Sep. 13, 2014, the entire contents of which areincorporated fully by reference.

FIGURE SELECTED FOR PUBLICATION

FIG. 1

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to multi-functional compacts for cosmeticsand the like. More particularly, the present invention relates to aparallelepiped-type (generally 6-sided-type) multi-functional compactwith a magnifying mirror in which the compact has upper and lowerhousing portions that open in a clam-like manner about a hinge, whereinthe upper portion houses the magnifying mirror and the lower portionhouses one or more cosmetic products.

For illustration purposes, the present invention is described herein asembodied in compacts for cosmetics, it being understood, however, thatits broader aspects the invention is not limited thereto but may also beembodied in compacts for containing other types of materials.

2. Description of the Related Art

Compacts are commonly referred to as portable containers for housingmany cosmetics materials, including face powders, foundations, eyeshadows, blushes, and some lipsticks and mascaras. Conventional compactsinclude a base formed as a tray with one or more upwardly open recessesfor holding the cosmetic material in compressed or like stablecondition, and a cover for overlying the base and enclosing the tray toprevent the contents from drying out, becoming contaminated, spilling,or soiling outside objects. One or more brushes, pads such as powderpuffs or other implements for applying the cosmetics may also be placedwithin the compact between the base and cover.

Typically, the base and cover are molded of plastic or formed of metal,and are hinged together along one side of the compact, a manuallyoperable latch being provided on the other side to hold them in closedposition. The compact is dimensioned to be held in the hand, and may besquare, rectangular, oval, circular, or of other regular or irregularshape. To apply the contained cosmetics, the user opens the compact,draws an applying implement (or a finger) across the cosmetic materialheld in a recess of the base tray to pick up some of the material, andconveys it on the implement to the appropriate facial area.

Generally, a compact comprises a flat non-magnifying portable mirrorwhich allows a user, particularly, a woman, views his/her face whilemaking up the face indoors or outdoors, and thereby has a small size tobe easily carried by the user within a handbag, a suitcase, or a pocketof a garment. Conventionally, a mirror is provided within the inwardlyfacing surface of the cover so as to be visible by a user when thecompact is open and the user is applying the cosmetic material to theface. Thus, the user can easily and accurately apply the cosmetic whenno external mirror is available. The disposition of the mirror withinthe compact cover is an important feature of convenience in that itenables the user to hold and position both the exposed body of cosmeticmaterial and the mirror in one hand while employing the other hand tomanipulate the applicator.

When a user needs to view partial areas of his/her face, such as theeyebrows, while magnifying the partial areas of the face during makingup the face, the user wants to use a convex mirror. However, theconventional convex mirrors are produced at high costs, and are providedseparately—typically with a separate handle, wall mount orcounter-support mount, thus increasing the production costs of suchitems and rendering them unusable in ‘compact form.’ Typically it isknown that conventional compact mirror cases and/or the cases of avariety of makeup compacts, such as pressed powder compacts, powderblusher compacts, cake mascara compacts, and eyeshadow compacts.

Moreover, because the conventional compact mirror cases and theconventional cases of the variety of makeup compacts are small-sized tobe easily carried by users and are typically equipped with planemirrors, the users only view their faces on the limited reflectionsurfaces of the plane mirrors. Thus, the conventional compact mirrorcases and the conventional cases of the variety of makeup compacts arenot multifunctional.

In conventional compacts containing mirrors, the plane mirrors installedhave limited sizes of reflection surfaces, thus forcing a user to placethe mirror at a position relatively far away from his/her face when theuser needs to view his/her entire face reflected on the mirror. However,the user cannot clearly view the face since the image of the facefocused on the mirror is too small.

Thus, when the user paints and/or powders partial areas of his/her face,such as the eye rims, the eyebrows or the lips, the user needs to viewthe partial areas of the face on the mirror while magnifying the partialareas to carefully make up the partial areas. In such a case, the usermust repeatedly and alternately place the mirror at positions close to apartial area of the face to clearly view the partial area to be paintedor powdered and at positions relative far away from the face to view theentire face to check the painted or powdered partial area with the otherareas of the face, or alternatively divert their gaze to a conventionalmagnifying mirror-in a wall, counter, or floor mount type. Theconventional compact mirror cases and the conventional cases of thevariety of makeup compacts are thus inconvenient to use.

Also, it is often desirable to package a compact in a manner enablingretail customers to view the contained cosmetic material at the point ofsale without exposing the material to contamination such as can occur ifa compact is opened at a store by a prospective purchaser. Accordingly,the compact may be sealed in a transparent plastic film, e.g., in ablister package, with the cover opened to lie flat with the base so thatthe contents of the compact are clearly visible through the blisterfilm.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an improvedmulti-functional, multilayered cosmetic compact case that overcomes thedetriments seen in the known prior compact cases. There is a furtherneed for an improved multi-functional, multilayered cosmetic compactcase having a dual-layer base construction with a pull out side drawerincluding only a single magnifying mirror and a lie flat hinge assembly.There is also a need for an improved multi-functional, multilayeredcosmetic compact case that has multiple compartments or wells forhousing a plurality of products, and having a secure snap-fit mechanismfor securely closing the compact when not in use.

ASPECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the preferred embodiment of the invention, provided is acompact for holding cosmetic products comprising a base having a firstproduct housing region for housing one or more cosmetic products, acover hingedly connected to the base, and a side drawer slidably mountedin the base, wherein the side drawer comprises a second product housingregion, wherein the cover has an inner surface and an outer surface, andwherein the cover carries an inwardly-facing mirror removably mounted onthe inner surface by a removable frame member. The compact according tothe invention has a cover carrying a detent that engages a protrusionpositioned on the base to secure the base and the cover in a closedposition, wherein the detent comprises at least one rib formedintegrally with the cover to lock the cover in a closed position whenthe cover is moved from an open position into the closed position.Preferably, the minor is a single magnifying mirror and the compact hasa generally square configuration. The cover has an extended closuremember with a recess for engaging a corresponding protrusion on the basefor securing the compact in a closed position. Also, the first and/orsecond product housing regions may comprise more than one rectangular orother shaped product wells. Also preferably, at least one of the coverportion and the base portion is made of a material selected from atransparent plastic, an opaque plastic, a metal, a wood, a composite, apolymer, or a ceramic. Optionally, the cover may comprise a windowthrough which the cosmetic product can be viewed when the cover and thebase are in a closed position.

In another embodiment of the invention provided is a compact comprisinga case body having an inner frame to form a fitting groove to hold afirst product well for containing a first cosmetic product, a coverhaving an inner mirror frame to form a fitting groove to hold a mirror,and a hinge assembly for movably interconnecting the cover to the casebody, the hinge assembly coupled at both ends thereof to hinge shafts ofthe case body to form a hinged joint around which the cover is opened orclosed relative to the case body. Preferably, at least one of the coverportion and the base portion is made of a material selected from atransparent plastic, an opaque plastic, a metal, a wood, a composite, apolymer, or a ceramic. Also, the case body is preferably provided ateach side thereof with a hinge holder each spaced apart from one anotherto define a space between the hinge holders, with hinge shafts providedon inside surfaces of the hinge holders extending toward each other andinserted into both ends of a hinge hole formed in the upper housingmember, and forming a hinge joint around which the cover portion isopened or closed relative to the base portion.

The present invention provides a compact for holding cosmetics in asquare shape, including one or more wells for cosmetics and/or tools forapplication of same. The compact according to the present inventionpreferably opens and closes in a clam-like manner having a hingeassembly at the back end thereof and preferably a snap-fit closure atthe front end thereof. Optionally, rectangle shapes having square-likecorners may also be used. The cosmetic container according to thepresent invention preferably has only one magnifying mirror recessed inthe top cover or upper housing portion. Depending on the product, e.g.,eye, lip or face make-up, multiple product wells or areas may be used,but not more than one simple magnifying mirror. Preferably, the singularmagnifying mirror has a magnification strength of approximately 2-3times the normal. Of course, lesser or greater strength mirrors may alsobe used in conjunction with the present invention. Room exists left inthe upper portion to expand to a greater strength mirror. The simplemirror compact assembly and system improves upon complicated priorsystems that include interchangeable mirrors or multiple mirrors, whichmake manufacturing and distribution very difficult and expensive.Modification of the compact from the prior complex multi-mirror systemsto a simple compact with a singular mirror allows for greaterflexibility with respect to the choice of cosmetic products provided.Preferably, in one embodiment of the cosmetic compact according to thepresent invention provides a square single layer compact, for example,for use with blush or wet foundation.

In another embodiment of the cosmetic compact according to the presentinvention provides a dual (or double) layer cosmetic compact case bottomor lower portion having a pull-out drawer position therein for housingadditional cosmetic product(s), for example, for use with concealingfoundation with an applicator sponge.

In yet another embodiment of the cosmetic compact according to thepresent invention provides a square single layer compact having multipleproduct wells therein (i.e., 2, 3 or more smaller rectangular wells),for example, for use with 2-color eyebrow or 2 color concealer pack, or3 shades of eye shadow, or even 4 or more.

In another embodiment of the cosmetic compact according to the presentinvention provides a dual (or double) layer cosmetic compact case bottomor lower portion having a pull-out drawer position therein for housingadditional cosmetic product(s) each of the layers having multipleproduct wells therein (i.e., 2, 3 or more smaller rectangular wells),for example, for use with 2-color eyebrow or 2 color concealer pack, or3 shades of eye shadow, or even 4 or more.

As shown and described herein, the cosmetic compact according to thepreferred embodiment of the invention comprises a deep base closure tofacilitate a longer top (male/female) closure. Preferably, the compactis configured in a square shape with slightly rounded edges to preventcracking, although other rectangular-base shapes may be used. Within thebase or lower portion of the cosmetic compact, there is provided asemi-permanently attached cosmetic well for housing a cosmetic product.There is also provided a deep internal return system within the upperwell or frame of the compact to allow for the upper magnifying mirrorhaving a slight concave configuration and a mirror frame. Preferably,there is provided an extended top closure portion on the upper housingportion for secure closing of the upper portion with the lower portionin view of the extra deep mirror portion and product base or lowerhousing portion. Preferably, the inner frames for securing the mirrorand product wells appear invisible to allow for securing the magnifyingmirror and/or product wells as well as making rounded edges still appearsquare. There is provided a cut out hinge system that allows forclam-like opening and closing of the cosmetic compact according to theinvention. Preferably, the lower interior frame aligns the product wellwith the compact's upper portion. Also preferably, a pull out sidedrawer is provided for housing additional cosmetic product(s). This isan improvement over the existing compacts in that rather than a bottomdrawer, which is very difficult and cumbersome to use while applyingmakeup, a side drawer provides simple and convenient access to theproduct positioned therein. Such a drawer will have a square shapefinish such that its corners will match the corners of the upper andlower housing portions of the compact to essentially hide the drawertherein.

Accordingly, an object of the invention is to provide a new and improvedcosmetic material container of the type comprising a compact. Aparticular object is to provide such a container providing a size orarea of inwardly-facing simple mirror on the cover of the compactproviding a significant mirror-magnification to allow efficient andaccurate make-up application. Another object is to provide an improvedmulti-functional, multilayered cosmetic compact case having a dual-layerbase construction with a pull out side drawer including only a singlemagnifying mirror, a lie flat hinge assembly, multiple compartments orwells for housing a plurality of products, and a secure snap-fitmechanism for securely closing the compact when not in use.

To these and other ends, the present invention broadly contemplates theprovision of a compact for holding cosmetics or the like, including abase for containing a quantity of cosmetic material, and a coverhingedly connected to the base and having an extended area with an innersurface and an outer surface, disposed in a first portion of theextended area, and an inwardly-facing magnifying mirror, mounted on theinner surface. As a further feature of the invention, in currentlypreferred embodiments, the cover carries a latch mechanism that engagesa receiving portion on a second lower housing portion or base to retainthe cover in a closed position. The detent may comprise at least one ribformed integrally with the cover or lower housing portion or base.

The present invention has been made keeping in mind the above problemsoccurring in the prior art, and an object of the present invention is toprovide a multifunctional compact mirror case, of which an upper casebody seats, in a frame seating well thereof, a mirror frame having upperand lower portions, and in which the upper surface and a lower surfaceare concave and convex to form a concave lens part and a convex lenspart, or convex or concave to form a convex lens part and a concave lenspart, respectively, thus allowing a user to use a concave mirrorfunction formed by both the concave lens part, and which allows the userto view his/her face on the upper plane mirror when the lid is open fromthe case body. This is thus efficiently used by the user outdoors whiletraveling, such as traveling on business, or indoors, such as in anoffice room. In the compact according to the invention, a transparentwindow may optionally be provided in the cover to enablepoint-of-purchase viewing of the contents of the compact with thecompact in a closed position, while a replaceable mirror, initiallyunderlying the cosmetic product, for example, leaves the windowunobstructed, can be readily installed upon first use of the compact. Amagnifying mirror use in combination with the construction is the mostcommonly envisioned use of the present invention, but nothing hereinwill so limit the invention to that most common use.

To achieve the above objects, according to a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention, there is provided a multi-functional and/ormulti-layered cosmetic compact mirror case, comprising a base having afirst product housing region for housing one or more cosmetic products,a cover hingedly connected to the base, and a side drawer slidablymounted in the base, wherein the side drawer comprises a second producthousing region, wherein the cover has an inner surface and an outersurface, and wherein the cover carries an inwardly-facing mirrorremovably mounted on the inner surface by a removable frame member.

The compact described herein provides improved magnification withsimplified design and fewer components. These characteristics areparticularly advantageous in a variety of compacts for a variety ofreasons, including, but not limited to, having a dual-layer baseconstruction with a pull out side drawer including only a singlemagnifying mirror, having a lie flat hinge assembly, having multiplecompartments or wells for housing a plurality of products, and having asecure snap-fit mechanism for securely closing the compact when not inuse.

It is an aspect of the present invention to provide a compact thataddresses the concerns and deficiencies in prior designs, and which isstill functional, practical and aesthetically pleasing.

The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the presentinvention will become apparent from the following description read inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like referencenumerals designate the same elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A further understanding of the present invention can be obtained byreference to a preferred embodiment set forth in the illustrations ofthe accompanying drawings. Although the illustrated preferred embodimentis merely exemplary of methods, structures and compositions for carryingout the present invention, both the organization and method of theinvention, in general, together with further objectives and advantagesthereof, may be more easily understood by reference to the drawings andthe following description. The drawings are not intended to limit thescope of this invention, which is set forth with particularity in theclaims as appended or as subsequently amended, but merely to clarify andexemplify the invention.

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference isnow made to the following drawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a dual-layer cosmetic compactdepicted in an open configuration in accordance with the preferredembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2A shows a bottom plan view of the cosmetic compact shown in FIG. 1depicted in a closed configuration according to the preferred embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 2B shows a front plan view of the cosmetic compact shown in FIG. 1depicted in a closed configuration according to the preferred embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 2C shows a back plan view of the cosmetic compact shown in FIG. 1depicted in a closed configuration according to the preferred embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 3 shows a top right front perspective view of the cosmetic compactshown in FIG. 1 depicted in a closed configuration according to thepreferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 shows a front plan view of the cosmetic compact shown in FIG. 1depicted in a closed configuration according to the preferred embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 5 shows a left side plan view of the cosmetic compact shown in FIG.1 depicted in a closed configuration according to the preferredembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 shows a right side plan view of the cosmetic compact shown inFIG. 1 depicted in a closed configuration according to the preferredembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 shows a back plan view of the cosmetic compact shown in FIG. 1depicted in a closed configuration according to the preferred embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 8 shows a bottom right front perspective view of the cosmeticcompact shown in FIG. 1 depicted in a closed configuration according tothe preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of a single-layer cosmetic compactdepicted in an open configuration in accordance with an alternativeembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10A shows a bottom plan view of the cosmetic compact shown in FIG.9 depicted in a closed configuration according to an alternativeembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10B shows a front plan view of the cosmetic compact shown in FIG. 9depicted in a closed configuration according to an alternativeembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10C shows a back plan view of the cosmetic compact shown in FIG. 9depicted in a closed configuration according to an alternativeembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 shows a top right front perspective view of the cosmetic compactshown in FIG. 9 depicted in a closed configuration according to analternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 shows a front plan view of the cosmetic compact shown in FIG. 9depicted in a closed configuration according to an alternativeembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 shows a left side plan view of the cosmetic compact shown inFIG. 9 depicted in a closed configuration according to an alternativeembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 shows a right side plan view of the cosmetic compact shown inFIG. 9 depicted in a closed configuration according to an alternativeembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 shows a back plan view of the cosmetic compact shown in FIG. 9depicted in a closed configuration according to an alternativeembodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 16 shows a bottom right front perspective view of the cosmeticcompact shown in FIG. 9 depicted in a closed configuration according toan alternative embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As required, a detailed illustrative embodiment of the present inventionis disclosed herein. However, techniques, systems, compositions andoperating structures in accordance with the present invention may beembodied in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, forms and modes, some ofwhich may be quite different from those in the disclosed embodiment.Consequently, the specific structural and functional details disclosedherein are merely representative, yet in that regard, they are deemed toafford the best embodiment for purposes of disclosure and to provide abasis for the claims herein which define the scope of the presentinvention.

Reference will now be made in detail to several embodiments of theinvention that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whereverpossible, same or similar reference numerals are used in the drawingsand the description to refer to the same or like parts or steps. Thedrawings are in simplified form and are not to precise scale. Forpurposes of convenience and clarity only, directional terms, such astop, bottom, up, down, over, above, below, etc., or motional terms, suchas forward, back, sideways, transverse, etc. may be used with respect tothe drawings. These and similar directional terms should not beconstrued to limit the scope of the invention in any manner.

Referring first to FIG. 1, shown is a perspective view of themulti-layer or dual-layer compact 100 in accordance with the preferredembodiment of the present invention, depicted in an open configuration.As illustrated, compact 100 is of a generally square (or rectangular)plan configuration, dimensioned to be held in a user's hand, for holdinga cosmetic material such as powder, blush, mascara, foundation, or thelike, for application to the face. The compact 100 includes a base 11preferably formed or provided with a side drawer 13 that houses aproduct well or housing region 14, and a cover 5 is hingedly connectedto the base 11 and has an extended area 8 with opposed inner and outersurfaces, i.e., surfaces respectively facing toward and away from theinterior of the compact 100 when the cover 5 is in closed positionoverlying the base 11. The cover 5 may optionally carry a transparentwindow (not shown) disposed in the top surface 19 of the cover 5 toenable a prospective end user to view the color (shade) of the containedcosmetic, e.g. at a point-of-purchase display, without opening thecompact, and an inwardly facing magnifying mirror 6, mounted in theinner frame 9 on the inner surface of the cover 5. More particularly, inthe compact of FIGS. 1-8 the base 11 and cover 5 are of identical square(or rectangular) plan diameter (though they may differ in depth),interconnected along one edge portion by a hinge assembly 10 andprovided on an opposite edge portion with a latch assembly (comprisingcover extended portion 8 having a recess or detent, and base closureportion 1 having a protrusion 15) for securing the cover 5 in closedposition on the base 11. The hinge and latch may be entirelyconventional in structure, function and location.

The base 11 and cover 5 are substantially rigid and are self-sustainingin shape. They may be fabricated in a generally conventional manner ofmaterials conventionally used for such purposes, such as, transparentplastic, opaque plastic, metal, wood, composite, polymer, and ceramic.Conveniently, the cover 5 is a molded element, with an optional aperturein which a window (itself typically a molded transparent plastic member)is fixedly assembled so as to constitute an effectively integral part ofthe cover for enclosing the cosmetic-containing interior of the compact.The base is also an element molded of opaque plastic. Optionally, such awindow may comprise a two-way mirror (i.e., substantially reflective ina first direction and substantially transparent in a second direction.

In accordance with the invention, the cosmetic-holding well or portion 3of the base 11 may include a molded plastic element or inner frame 17fixedly mounted, for example, by snap fitting in the interior of thebase 11 to define well 3, opening upwardly within the interior of thecompact, for holding a quantity of cosmetic material or other product.Alternatively, the base 11 may be a single-piece base which has noholding well 3 but rather is capable to hold the cosmetic material.Also, since the compact is ordinarily carried by a user with the covermember 5 closed and latched over the base member 11 so as to enclose thecontained cosmetics, the compact 100 must be opened to expose thecosmetic-holding recess 3 to allow access to the cosmetic material.Thus, the user then removes a portion of a the contained cosmeticmaterial with, for example, an applicator tool (e.g., a powder puff orlike pad, brush or other implement), or a finger, and applies thecosmetic to his/her face. To facilitate such operation, the hingeassembly 10 permits the cover 5 to move, in opening, through an angle ofat least about 90° relative to the base 11. Preferably, however, thecover 5 is movable to a full-open position at an angle of 180° relativeto the base 11.

The cover 5, as seen in FIGS. 1-8, preferably has the shape of a shallowsquare inverted pan with a planar lip or edge flange extending inwardly(i.e., toward the interior of the compact 100) entirely around thecircumference of the cover 5. Thus, the cover 5 may be considered tohave a recessed planar inner surface facing the interior of the compact100. The inwardly facing mirror 6 occupies substantially the entire areaof the inner surface of the cover 5. The proximate edges of the mirror 6lie along a line parallel to the width of the cover 5. It will beappreciated that these specific features of configuration andarrangement are merely illustrative and are nonlimiting. Advantageously,one or more ribs may be molded into the extended portion 8 of the cover5 to engage and lock the cover 5 with the base 11 in a closed position.

For the initial use of the compact 100, the user unlatches and opens thecompact 100, exposing the interior of the cover 5 and base 11 as shownin FIG. 1. In a generally extended position, the reflective surface ofthe magnifying mirror 6 faces inwardly so that substantially the entireinner surface area of the cover 5 of compact 100 becomes a usablemirror. That is to say, once cover 5 has been rotated into an extendedposition, the area of the mirror 6 is viewable to constitute the mirrorarea available for use in applying the contained cosmetic. While themirror 6 is preferably a magnifying mirror, it may nonetheless be, forexample, an ordinary (non-magnifying) mirror.

According to the preferred embodiment of the invention, provided iscompact 100 comprising a base 11 having a first product housing region 3for housing one or more cosmetic products, a cover 5 hingedly connectedto the base 11, and a side drawer 13 slidably mounted in the base 11,wherein the side drawer 13 comprises a second product housing region 14,wherein the cover 5 has an inner surface and an outer surface, andwherein the cover 5 carries an inwardly-facing mirror 6 removablymounted on the inner surface by a removable frame member 9. The cover 5of compact 100 according to the invention has a detent that engages aprotrusion 15 positioned on the base 11 to secure the base 11 and thecover 5 in a closed position, wherein the detent optionally comprises atleast one rib formed integrally with the cover 5 to lock the cover 5 ina closed position when the cover 5 is moved from an open position intothe closed position.

Preferably, the mirror 6 is a single magnifying mirror and the compact100 has a generally square configuration. The cover 5 has an extendedclosure member 8 with a recess for engaging a corresponding protrusion15 on the base 11 for securing the compact 100 in a closed position.Also, the first and/or second product housing regions 3/14 may comprisemore than one rectangular or other shaped product wells. Alsopreferably, at least one of the cover portion 5 and the base portion 11is made of a material selected from a transparent plastic, an opaqueplastic, a metal, a wood, a composite, a polymer, or a ceramic.Optionally, the cover 5 may comprise a window through which the cosmeticproduct can be viewed when the cover 5 and the base 11 are in a closedposition.

As can be seen in FIGS. 2A-2C, which show bottom, front and side planviews of the compact shown in FIG. 1 in a closed configuration accordingto the preferred embodiment of the present invention, side drawerportion 13 is preferably of a size and shape consistent with the sizeand shape of the base 11. Alternatively, more than one side drawer 13may be used, either vertically one on top of the other, or horizontallyside by side with each other. Preferably, side drawer 13 has ends 12 forease in opening and closing drawer 13 during use.

Turning next to FIGS. 3-8, shown are various views of the compact 100shown in FIG. 1 in a closed configuration according to the preferredembodiment of the present invention. As can be seen, cover 5 and base 11are preferably consistent in size and shape. It is preferred that theoverall shape of the compact 100 is square but that each cover corner 7and base corner 2 are rounded and matching for easy and safe handling ofthe compact 100.

Referring now to FIGS. 9-10, shown is a perspective view of asingle-layer compact 110 in accordance with an alternative embodiment ofthe present invention, depicted in an open configuration. Asillustrated, alternative compact 110 is also of a generally square (orrectangular) plan configuration, dimensioned to be held in a user'shand, for holding a cosmetic material such as powder, blush, mascara,foundation, or the like, for application to the face. The compact 110includes a base 11 preferably formed or provided with a product well orhousing region 3, and a cover 5 that is hingedly connected to the base11. As with compact 100, the alternative compact 110 has an extendedarea 8 with opposed inner and outer surfaces, i.e., surfacesrespectively facing toward and away from the interior of the compact 110when the cover 5 is in closed position overlying the base 11. The cover5 may optionally carry a transparent window (not shown) disposed in thetop surface 19 of the cover 5, and an inwardly facing magnifying mirror6, mounted in the inner frame 9 on the inner surface of the cover 5.More particularly, in the compact of FIGS. 9-16 the base 11 and cover 5are of identical square (or rectangular) plan diameter (though they maydiffer in depth), interconnected along one edge portion by a hingeassembly 10 and provided on an opposite edge portion with a latchassembly (comprising cover extended portion 8 having a recess or detent,and base closure portion 1 having a protrusion 15) for securing thecover 5 in closed position on the base 11. The hinge and latch may beentirely conventional in structure, function and location.

In this alternative embodiment of the present invention provided is acompact 110 comprising a case body 11 having an inner frame 17 to form afitting groove to hold a first product well 3 for containing a firstcosmetic product, a cover 5 having an inner mirror frame 9 to form afitting groove to hold a mirror 6, and a hinge assembly 10 for movablyinterconnecting the cover 5 to the case body 11. The hinge assembly 10is preferably coupled at both ends thereof to hinge shafts 4 of the casebody 11 to form a hinged joint around which the cover 5 is opened orclosed relative to the case body 11. Preferably, at least one of thecover portion 5 and the base portion 11 of compact 110 is made of amaterial selected from a transparent plastic, an opaque plastic, ametal, a wood, a composite, a polymer, or a ceramic. Also, the case body11 is preferably provided at each side thereof with a hinge holder eachspaced apart from one another to define a space between the hingeholders, with hinge shafts 4 provided on inside surfaces of the hingeholders extending toward each other and inserted into both ends of ahinge hole formed in the upper housing member, and forming a hinge jointaround which the cover portion 5 is opened or closed relative to thebase portion 11.

Lastly, referring to FIGS. 11-16 show various views of the compact 110shown in FIG. 9 but in a closed configuration according to analternative embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen, cover 5and base 11 of the alternative compact 110 are preferably consistent insize and shape. It is preferred that the overall shape of the compact110 is square but that each cover corner 7 and base corner 2 are roundedand matching for easy and safe handling of the compact 110.

In yet a further alternative and adaptive system (not shown in thedrawings) a lip makeup assembly is provided, in the form of a lipsticktube (rectangular or circular container for lipstick cosmetic makeup),one side may be provided with a magnifying mirror as discussed herein.Such a magnifying mirror on the side of a lipstick tube assembly may beon the lipstick cap-cover portion of such a system or alternatively onthe holding-non-cap-cover portion of such a system. Preferably, andwhile not departing from the scope of the present invention, themagnifying mirror would be on the cover-cap portion of the lipstick tubeassembly so that a user may position the cover-cap portion with onehand, while applying the lipstick cosmetic using the other hand (holdingthe non-cap-cover portion. This embodiment is not shown in the figures,but one of skill in the art will readily appreciate the same withoutneed to refer to a drawing. In another alternative lip cosmeticembodiment, a rectangular lipstick cosmetic cover is formed as aparallel piped, having a magnifying mirror on one side extendingsubstantially all of one side and substantially flush therewith forconvenience (but not limited thereto).

LISTING OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

-   -   1 base closure portion    -   2 base corner or lower housing portion corner    -   3 first product well or portion    -   4 hinge rod    -   5 upper housing portion or cover    -   6 magnifying mirror    -   7 cover corner or upper housing portion corner    -   8 extended top closure    -   9 mirror inner frame    -   10 hinge assembly    -   11 lower housing portion or base    -   12 drawer end portion    -   13 side drawer    -   14 second product well or portion    -   15 latch or protrusion    -   16 product inner frame    -   17 product inner frame    -   18 bottom surface    -   19 top surface    -   20 product well outline    -   21 mirror outline    -   100 dual-layer cosmetic compact    -   110 single-layer cosmetic compact

In the claims, means or step-plus-function clauses are intended to coverthe structures described or suggested herein as performing the recitedfunction and not only structural equivalents but also equivalentstructures. Thus, for example, although a nail, a screw, and a bolt maynot be structural equivalents in that a nail relies on friction betweena wooden part and a cylindrical surface, a screw's helical surfacepositively engages the wooden part, and a bolt's head and nut compressopposite sides of a wooden part, in the environment of fastening woodenparts, a nail, a screw, and a bolt may be readily understood by thoseskilled in the art as equivalent structures.

Having described at least one of the preferred embodiments of thepresent invention with reference to the accompanying drawings sufficientto enable one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention,and to provide the best mode of practicing the invention presentlycontemplated by the inventor, it is to be understood that suchembodiments are merely exemplary and that the invention is not limitedto those precise embodiments, and that various changes, modifications,and adaptations may be effected therein by one skilled in the artwithout departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as definedin the appended claims. Accordingly, the disclosed embodiments are notmutually exclusive combinations of features; rather, the invention maycomprise a combination of different individual features selected fromdifferent individual embodiments, as understood by persons of ordinaryskill in the art. The scope of the invention, therefore, shall bedefined solely by the appended claims.

Further, while there is provided herein a full and complete disclosureof the preferred embodiments of this invention, it is not desired tolimit the invention to the exact construction, dimensionalrelationships, and operation shown and described. Various modifications,alternative constructions, changes and equivalents will readily occur tothose skilled hi the art and may be employed, as suitable, withoutdeparting from the true spirit and scope of the invention. Such changesmight involve alternative materials, components, structuralarrangements, sizes, shapes, forms, functions, operational features orthe like, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that numerouschanges may be made in such details without departing from the spiritand the principles of the invention. It should be appreciated that thepresent invention is capable of being embodied in other forms withoutdeparting from its essential characteristics.

What is claimed is:
 1. A compact for holding cosmetic products, saidcompact comprising: (a) a base having a first product housing region forhousing one or more cosmetic products; (b) a cover hingedly connected tosaid base; and (c) a side drawer slidably mounted in said base; whereinsaid side drawer comprises a second product housing region; wherein saidcover has an inner surface and an outer surface; and wherein said covercarries an inwardly-facing magnifying mirror optionally removablymounted on said inner surface by a removable frame member.
 2. Thecompact according to claim 1, wherein said cover carries a detent thatengages a protrusion positioned on said base to secure said base andsaid cover in a closed position.
 3. The compact according to claim 2,wherein said detent comprises at least one rib formed integrally withsaid cover.
 4. The compact according to claim 2, wherein said detentlocks said cover in a closed position when said cover is moved from anopen position into said closed position.
 5. The compact according toclaim 1, wherein said cover further comprises a window through whichsaid cosmetic product can be viewed when said cover and said base are ina closed position.
 6. The compact according to claim 1, wherein saidmirror is a magnifying mirror.
 7. The compact according to claim 1,wherein said compact has a generally square configuration.
 8. Thecompact according to claim 1, wherein said cover has an extended closuremember with a recess for engaging a corresponding protrusion on saidbase for securing said compact in a closed position.
 9. The compactaccording to claim 1, wherein said second product housing regioncomprises at least two product wells.
 10. The compact according to claim1, wherein said first product housing region comprises at least twoproduct wells.
 11. The compact according to claim 1, wherein at leastone of said cover portion and said base portion is made of a materialselected from the group consisting of transparent plastic, opaqueplastic, metal, wood, composite, polymer, and ceramic.
 12. A compactcomprising: a case body having an inner frame to form a fitting grooveto hold a first product well for containing a first cosmetic product; acover having an inner mirror frame to form a fitting groove to hold amagnifying mirror; and a hinge assembly for movably interconnecting saidcover to said case body, said hinge assembly coupled at both endsthereof to hinge shafts of said case body to form a hinged joint aroundwhich said cover is opened or closed relative to said case body.
 13. Thecompact according to claim 12, wherein at least one of said cover andsaid case body is made of a material selected from the group consistingof transparent plastic, opaque plastic, metal, wood, composite, polymer,and ceramic.
 14. The compact according to claim 12, wherein said casebody is provided at each side thereof with a hinge holder each spacedapart from one another to define a space between said hinge holders,with hinge shafts provided on inside surfaces of said hinge holdersextending toward each other and inserted into both ends of a hinge holeformed in said upper housing member, and forming a hinge joint aroundwhich said cover is opened or closed relative to said base portion. 15.The compact according to claim 12, wherein said cover carries a detentthat engages a protrusion positioned on said case body to secure saidbase and said cover in a closed position.
 16. The compact according toclaim 15, wherein said detent comprises at least one rib formedintegrally with said cover.
 17. The compact according to claim 15,wherein said detent locks said cover in a closed position when saidcover is moved from an open position into said closed position.
 18. Thecompact according to claim 12, wherein said cover further comprises awindow through which said cosmetic product can be viewed when said coverand said case body are in a closed position.
 19. The compact accordingto claim 12, wherein said mirror is a magnifying mirror.
 20. The compactaccording to claim 12, wherein said compact has a generally squareconfiguration.
 21. The compact according to claim 12, wherein said coverhas an extended closure member with a recess for engaging acorresponding protrusion on said case body for securing said compact ina closed position.
 22. The compact according to claim 12, furthercomprising: a side drawer slidably mounted in said case body; whereinsaid side drawer comprises a second product well region comprising atleast two product wells.
 23. The compact according to claim 12, whereinsaid first product housing region comprises at least two product wells.